Vital Statistics : Birth Declaration, Registration As Must Challenge

“Since the launch of “My Name” contest in April 2024 by government and UNICEF, our council has stepped up sensitisation for civil status registration generally, and on birth registration in particular. Prior to April 2024, there were thousands of people in Maroua I Subdivisional Council area without birth certificates. We then took advantage of the campaign to sensitise stakeholders like the civil society, traditional rulers, political parties and health centres,” Hamadou Hamidou, the Mayor of Maroua I Subdivisional Council in the Far North Region, explains. 

1,000 Birth Certificates Issued 
As a result, the council has been able to encourage many parents to come forth and register the births of their children. For the older children without birth certificates, UNICEF and government assisted the council to secure funding to issue them 1,000 birth certificates. The council has also used its funds to boost the collection of vital statistics in line with government’s policy of getting local governments more engaged in birth registration. 

Still Too Low 
 According to the 2018 Demographic Health Survey, the rate of birth registration in Cameroon was estimated at 62 per cent in 2018. Though BUNEC’s statistics talked of 69 per cent, Mrs. Eliane Akoa Efa, a staff with BUNEC head office in Yaounde, clarifies. 

Priority On Final Year Pupils 
“Our council was among the first in the country to assist final year pupils to acquire birth certificates to register and sit their certificate examinations. The campaign also involved Class 5 pupils so that they don’t have problems of birth certificate when they get to Class 6. We will continue to identify pupils in other classes without birth certificates so that they are issued this all-important document,” Mayor Hamidou pledges.

Many Still Without Birth Certificates 
“Nevertheless, there are still many street children without birth certificates, and the council is sensitising parents on the issue. The National Civil Status Registration Office, BUNEC and administrative authorities at levels have been so committed to “My Name” campaign. We are currently filling vacant local civil status registration positions by getting the registrars appointed. As well as creating new centres to facilitate the issuing of birth certificates,” the Mayor of Maroua I Subdivisional Council discloses. 

Low Birth Registration 
Today, despite the efforts made by the Cameroonian authorities, it is estimated that one in three children under the age of five is deprived of a legal identity. In 2023, out of 566,680 births in health facilities, only 248,013 were registered (43.77 per cent). Furthermore, for the 2023–2024 school year, 1,569,660 children (30.4 per cent) enrolled in elementary school, had no birth certificate, according to MINEDUB’s Annuaire Statistique 2022/2023.

BUNEC’s Crucial Role
According to Adji Ali Bichair, Head of BUNEC office for Far North Region, “My Name” campaign is going well. The Far North Region was the first to record 100 per cent registration for the campaign by councils. In 2023, 87,000 birth certificates were issued in the Far North Region. So far this year, over 147,000 birth issues have been issued – with two months to the end of the year. This is testimony of how hard we have worked to sensitise mayors in the region on the importance of birth registration,” Bichair notes. 

Focal Points To Change Tides
The Far North Region has one of the lowest rates of birth registration in the country. Since the campaign began, BUNEC has not stopped encouraging mayors to register and issue more birth certificates. And whenever mayors have challenges with the contest, BUNEC quickly steps in to offer solutions. The office has designated focal points for all the 48 councils in the Far North Region for other activities, but most especially for “My Name” campaign. 

Challenges With Campaign 
However, challenges with Internet connection, floods and insecurity are slowing down birth registration in some council areas. For example, floods have disrupted birth registration in Logone and Chari, and Mayo Danay Divisions. While Boko Haram incursions have negatively impacted the process in Darak and Goulfey Councils in Logone and Chari Division, Adji Ali Bichair disclosed.

As “Defi Personnel”
“My Name” is more of a personal challenge. There is an underground stiff competition amongst BUNEC regional heads to see which region takes most of the 10 council prizes at the end of the contest,” Adji Ali noted. Acknowledging the “great assistance” offered by UNICEF for the campaign. 

At The Beginning
The First Forum of Mayors of Cameroon from April 26-27...